Riots, separatist rebellion kill 17

JAKARTA, Indonesia {AP} Clashes between Muslim and Christian gangs in eastern Indonesia and attacks by separatist rebels in the far west left 17 people dead Tuesday.

Mobs rampaged in Ambon, the capital of the Maluku archipelago, looting and setting ablaze dozens of shops in sectarian violence between Christian and Muslim residents, officials and witnesses said.

Clashes between the rival groups have wracked the province, 1,450 miles east of Jakarta, that was known as the Spice Islands during Dutch colonial rule. More than 300 people died during similar violence in January.

Police initially attempted to disperse looters by firing tear gas and warning shots into the air. But when the gangs failed to scatter, officers were seen firing directly into the crowds.